32 charged as part of drug operations in Rochester, Buffalo, NYC, Jamestown

Thursday, May 1, 2014

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) >> An investigation dubbed “Operation Crazy Train” has led to the dismantling of two major drug rings and charges against 32 people responsible for funneling cocaine and heroin into western New York, state officials said Thursday.

The 13-month joint investigation of drug activity in Rochester and Buffalo included the seizure of nearly $1 million worth of heroin, several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of cocaine as well as cash.

“Heroin has become one of the deadliest forces attacking communities across New York and the country,” Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in announcing the indictments with State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico.

Those indicted include 19 people from Rochester, seven from Buffalo, two from New York City and one from Jamestown. They, along with two Massachusetts men and one from Pennsylvania, face charges in Monroe County Court of possessing and distributing drugs.

The suspects were arrested after hundreds of hours of wiretaps and surveillance culminated in a series of overnight raids.

“The arrests of these individuals today will have a significant impact on the heroin and drug trade in western New York,” D’Amico said.

Authorities say suspects brought in drugs from New York City, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Some of the seized drugs were found in an end table with a false bottom, the side-view mirrors of vehicles and a secret compartment in a backpack.